Alcoholism refers to the habitual consumption of alcohol, which is detrimental to the mental and physical health of the consumer. Alcoholism adversely affects the life and well-being of persons who remain in close contact with alcoholics, as alcoholics often tend to misbehave in an inebriated state.

Alcoholism causes severe damage to the power of thinking, liver, kidneys, stomach and heart. An alcoholic should get rid of this abominable habit as soon as possible. Psychological and psychiatric treatment is available for getting rid of this habit. Yoga therapy also helps to a great extent in this regard.

Marichyasana

Marichyasana is a yoga twist that benefits the body in a number of ways, of which, mind stimulation is one. This twist stimulates the brain and other mental organs and increases their efficiency, thereby addressing the underlying causes of alcohol addiction such as depression or mental weakness.

Marichyasana is performed by sitting in a comfortable position on the floor. Sit cross-legged on the floor and pull your right thigh towards your chest. Twist your body towards the right side. Repeat the twist on the left side.

Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation)

The Sun Salutation pose energizes the mind allowing the alcohol addict to develop the determination to draw his attention away from alcohol and focus on other things. The Surya Namaskara consists of a set of 12 poses that need to be performed sequentially. To begin with, hold your hands folded in front of you (as in the Indian Namaskara pose) and look at the sun. Raise your hands straight upwards in the folded position.

Bend down and touch your feet. Stretch one leg outwards and arch your body backwards. Bend forward in the downward dog pose and then rest your entire body on your belly. Next, slowly lift up your torso in the cobra pose. Now, return back to the downward dog pose and all the other poses you have performed before it in the return sequence. Ultimately, you will return to the folded hands pose which you have started with.

Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)

The Bound Angle Pose prepares the body to assume meditative postures better. It also releases the mind from guilt and pacifies it. A peaceful and guilt-free mind is a precursor for combating alcohol addiction.

Baddha Konasana is performed in a seated posture. Start by sitting with your legs stretched outwards. Now fold one leg and then the next, and place them with the soles of the feet in contact with each other. Remain seated in the position for as long as you can.

Viparita Karini (Legs Up the Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani is a yoga inversion pose that improves blood circulation in the brain and boosts mental energy, thereby helping in overcoming addiction such as alcoholism. Lie down on the floor or a bed with your legs stretched out and resting on a wall. Remain in this position for as long as you can.

Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Balasana helps in combating alcoholism by strengthening the mind of the alcohol addict. This asana relieves mental stress and fatigue and improves blood circulation to the brain. To perform this asana, kneel down, touch the floor with your forehead and stretch out your hands in the front.